A Love for the Ages

Florence Cestac & Daniel Pennac

Jean and Germaine are the most affable couple the little village of Colle sur Loup has ever seen. A duke married to a commoner, they have no children, no jobs, and are disastrous cooks! They like to indulge in life's small pleasures; their books, their garden, and their after-lunch naps. They live for each other, and for their love. Their simple happiness intrigues, fascinates, infuriates and is the envy of all those around them.
Daniel Pennac knew Jean and Germaine well. He spent his time at their house reading, watching, learning, and, of course, trying Germaine's catastrophic efforts in the kitchen! He's now taken it upon himself to tell the story of those happy days, and of a love that has always captivated him.

By the same authors

"Two little lumps? Where did they come from? What am I supposed to do with two little lumps?" These are the questions that our heroine, who is on the verge of turning sixty, asks herself during her mammogram. It can't be true! She's almost reached retirement and now this: cancer! Like a lightning bolt, this sudden and ominous threat marks the end of life as she knew it. Gone are the days of fighting put downs at work, gone are the days of pandering to a couch potato husband, and babysitting the grandchildren; from now on, she'll finally start putting herself first! Having let go of her husband, her job and her worries, she decides to travel, learns the tango, tries her hand at hang gliding and pottery, starts dating... and realizes that the seduction game is not as fun as it used to be! She ends up buying a big house by the sea and turns it into the new place to be for sixty somethings; a gathering place for good friends, roaring laughter, memories and nostalgia. Once she gets over the initial shock of the news, her story is about learning to live with one's age, experiencing pleasure, keeping one's dignity, smiling and living without regrets!